CRICKET FINANCE

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 74, 25 September 1916, Page 4

CRICKET FINANCE

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

The annual report of the Wellington Cricket, Association states that the association was thoroughly in accord with the decision of tho New Zealand Council hot to play any representative fixtures during the course of the war, and consequently no such matches were arranged. The season was opened with a match between the Wellington eleven and a team selected from the soldiers in camp at Trentham and Featherston, for the benefit of the Gallipoli Christmas Gift, Fund, collected by the amateur sports bodies. The match resulted in the suiii of £59 12s 8d being handed over to the fund. The competitions did not arouse so much interest as usual, but- some very good games were played. The East Club, which had an unbeaten record for the greater part of the season, succeeded in carrying off the senior championship. The junior championship was won by the Boys' Institute Old Boys after a play-off with the Petone Juniors. Owing to the very limited number of entries, the third class championship could not be played in two divisions (city and suburban), as in the previous year, and the old system was resorted to. Petone proved the winners. The financial position of the association has occasioned tho committee much concern during the year. All the clubs have suffered from muchdepleted memberships, owing to enlistments, and have experienced difficulty in paying their dues. Most-of, the clubs have fri-filied their obligations to tho association; but, unfortunately, some are -till much in arrears.

Cricketers have responded splendidly to the call for men, and all clubs have supplied their quota of recruits. It remains for those who are necessarily left behind to make ever}' effort to keep the game going, and to assist both on and off the field as far, as lies in their power. Mr. F. M. Martin, who did good work for several yeah as Iron, treasurer of the association, left New Zealand with the Bth Reinforcements. Before his departure, members of the rommitteo took the opportunity of makiug him a presentation, and of expressing their best wishes for his welfare. The thanks of the association are due to the umpires who acted during the season, and to hon. .members for their continued support.